Welcome to the wiki of the [http://www.hackuarium.ch/ Hackuarium] association! <br>

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Welcome to the wiki of the Hackuarium association, an open public lab, which wishes to democratise research! <br>

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At Hackuarium, we want to bring biology (and biologists) to the world, and the real world back to biology. Our laboratory is an excuse to meet and discuss, build and develop ideas in a neutral, open, noncompetitive and not-for-profit environment.<br>

At Hackuarium, we want to bring biology (and biologists) to the world, and the real world back to biology. Our laboratory is an excuse to meet and discuss, build and develop ideas in a neutral, open, noncompetitive and not-for-profit environment.<br>

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This page was launched during our [[1st Ever Hackuarium Wiki Sprint]] that took place on 7 December 2014. As you might notice quickly, almost everything here is a work-in-progress.

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This page was launched during our [[1st Ever Hackuarium Wiki Sprint]] that took place on 7 December 2014. As you might notice quickly, almost everything here is work-in-progress. <br>

Hackuarium is a not-for-profit association aiming at democratizing science through public engagement.<br>

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Hackuarium is a not-for-profit association aiming to democratise science through public engagement.<br>

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Our laboratory in Renens (Switzerland) is open to anyone sharing the values of the association and who is dedicated to follow the [http://diybio.org/codes/draft-diybio-code-of-ethics-from-european-congress/ DIYbio Europe ethical guidelines].<br>

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Our laboratories in Ecublens (Switzerland) are open to anyone sharing the values of the association and dedicated to follow the [http://diybio.org/codes/draft-diybio-code-of-ethics-from-european-congress/ DIYbio Europe ethical guidelines].<br>

Our projects are initiated and carried out by scientists and non-scientists from a variety of backgrounds. They are passionate about tinkering with biology in particular, and technology in general. Some are engineers, architects, designers, IT and computer scientists or retired professionals, but others have no scientific education. They are mostly citizens interested in open and participatory research and innovation, outside the constraints of traditional institutions.<br>

Our projects are initiated and carried out by scientists and non-scientists from a variety of backgrounds. They are passionate about tinkering with biology in particular, and technology in general. Some are engineers, architects, designers, IT and computer scientists or retired professionals, but others have no scientific education. They are mostly citizens interested in open and participatory research and innovation, outside the constraints of traditional institutions.<br>

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Hackuarium members want to investigate new ways of carrying out interdisciplinary research and innovation, by making their results accessible (low-cost), simple and easily reproducible (low-tech) and by promoting an open source philosophy.<br>

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Hackuarium members want to investigate new ways of carrying out interdisciplinary research and innovation, by making their results open, accessible (low-cost), simple and easily reproducible (low-tech) and by promoting an open source philosophy.<br>

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And if you are curious where the name comes from, take a look [https://twitter.com/heluc/status/445681952885321730 here].

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=Where are we?=

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=Where are we located?=

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Hackuarium is proudly using infrastructures provided by [http://www.univercite.ch UniverCité], an unconventional innovation hub that opened in May 2014 in the IRL building in Renens. Our equipment is mostly upcycled material from institutions and industries from western Switzerland. We have documented our working environment as it has evolved.<br>

The overall map of the new space is shown to the right, with the new Hackuarium located primary in two rooms (marked with our little purple '''open science octopus''' logo). [[File:Crochy20Ecublens - spaceallocsmaller15may19.png|400px|thumb|right| map of the space]] <br>

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The '''biolab''' is located in a south facing room of over 22m2, with three windows and a linoleum floor. <br>

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Between December 2015 and January 2017, UniverCité regrouped our laboratory, a workshop and coworking space.<br>

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We also have a so-called ''''inner sanctum'''' without windows, that is mainly for electronics and chemistry work, but can also be used for some biology studies, especially higher resolution microscopy (with a Raspberry Pi camera on the old Zeiss scope) and bioluminescence studies, but growth of cultures is not allowed in this space. <br>

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(there is a carpet!) <br>

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The original space was under construction work from January until June 2017, and we temporarily relocated on the first floor of the same building.<br>

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There are also other Hackuarium 'assets' around the corner from the biolab, shown as purple rectangles on the map and including the sterile hood and the ultracentrifuge. A closet also contains a great deal of consumables and other labware. (We welcome project ideas that will use some of this! :)

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To note: this building is really only a provisional space, as it is destined for destruction in the next 3-5 years! <br>

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We will continue to look for a more permanent space, while developing our community further and promoting Open Science! <br>

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Since July 2017, we are back on the second floor of what is now called the "Ateliers de Renens" Chemin du Closed 5, 1020 Renens. We have a biohackerspace where (almost) everything goes, and a P1 facility for synthetic bio enthusiasts and more. <br> Check it out during one of our open nights, every Wednesday... <br>

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For some History: <br>

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Hackuarium '''found its new home''' (yay!) after being generously hosted for four years in infrastructures provided by [http://www.univercite.ch UniverCité], an unconventional innovation hub that opened in May 2014 in the "Ateliers" in Renens (formerly IRL building). Our equipment is mostly upcycled material from institutions and industries from western Switzerland. We have documented our working environment as it has evolved. For almost 6 months, our big hoods and other equipment were in storage, ready to be moved into our new lab space, a happy event begun the 1st of February 2019!<br>

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Renens is a hopping hub between Lausanne and Geneva. You can get to us by train from the airport in Geneva within an hour.<br>

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Between December 2015 and January 2017, UniverCité regrouped our laboratory, a workshop and coworking space. The floor where we originally moved in 2014 required some refurbishing and was under construction work from January until June 2017; and we temporarily relocated on the first floor of the same building. Since July 2017, we have been back on the second floor of what is now called the "Ateliers de Renens" Chemin du Closel 5, 1020 Renens. The original plan in the renovated space was to have a biohackerspace on one side, with a 'pro' lab space on the other, and a shared biosafety level 1 laboratory in between. The community lab idea for UC, however, has now been given over to primarily startup and co-working hosting. [[File:UC2ndFl2017.JPG |250px|thumb]]

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When Hackuarium was asked to pay rent as if it were already a startup with a successful business plan, the members decided during an [http://wiki.hackuarium.ch/w/20180912_General_Assembly_Extraordinaire extraordinary general assembly meeting (on 12 September 2018)], that we would have to look for a new place to set-up our biohacker space and P1 lab, with enough room to allow further growth and exciting collaborations. A cooperative ([[Space Alliance Coopérative]]) with two other associations ([[Octanis]] & [[Polymeka]]) and a few other startups came together to look for a new place to call home and provide space for everyone's projects and work. Our first activities in the new spaces started in February 2019. Our biolab and inner sanctum for electronics and imagerie and more are already facilitating project experiments, with more fun in the pipeline with our coop colleagues, like Sam and Raffael from Octanis, who were also early members of Hackuarium.<br>

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=Who are we?=

=Who are we?=

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Our members reflect the diversity that is in and around Lausanne/Renens.<br>

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Our members reflect the diversity that is in and around the Lausanne area.<br>

[[People | Check us out]], and find out what makes Hackuarium a good mix.<br>

[[People | Check us out]], and find out what makes Hackuarium a good mix.<br>

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==Committee==

==Committee==

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The current [[Board | committee]] is composed of the following people:<br>

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The current [[Board | committee]] was elected during our annual general assembly meeting and duties for each person have been assigned: <br>

The Agenda of the last board meeting can be found [[20180329_Board_Meeting | here]].<br>

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The Agenda of the next board meeting can be found [[20190821_Board_Meeting| here]].<br>

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The Agenda of the next board meeting can be found [[20180523_Board_Meeting | here]].<br>

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The Agenda of the last meeting, can be found [[20190710_Board_Meeting| here]].<br>

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<br>

==Members and Membership==

==Members and Membership==

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===Want to join?===

===Want to join?===

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* We have a [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdoyS8HmsuZACYp-q79pLzxR9BPA60HbyL6ZR8x7h7x3eqbhQ/viewform new form on the website], to fast-track joining the community, if you are keen, perhaps after a few #OpenHackuarium experiences (every Wednesday evening is open to the public).

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* We have a [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdoyS8HmsuZACYp-q79pLzxR9BPA60HbyL6ZR8x7h7x3eqbhQ/viewform form on the website], to fast-track joining the community, if you are keen, perhaps after a few #OpenHackuarium experiences (every Wednesday evening is open to the public).

* Read some helpful info [[I_m_new | here]].

* Read some helpful info [[I_m_new | here]].

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==Friends of Hackuarium==

==Friends of Hackuarium==

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We would like to thank the [http://inartis.ch/?lang=en Foundation Inartis] for hosting our activities in Renens for the past four years (2014-2018)<br>

Spaces:

Spaces:

::<li>[[UniverCité]]

::<li>[[UniverCité]]

::<li>[https://onlfait.ch/fablab/ FabLab Onl'fait, Genève]

::<li>[https://onlfait.ch/fablab/ FabLab Onl'fait, Genève]

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::<li>[http://openscienceschool.org/ OSS Paris]

::<li>[http://lapaillasse.org La Paillasse, Paris]

::<li>[http://lapaillasse.org La Paillasse, Paris]

::<li>[https://lapaillassaone.wordpress.com Paillasse Saône, Lyon]

::<li>[https://lapaillassaone.wordpress.com Paillasse Saône, Lyon]

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=Events=

=Events=

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Our lab and space are open to the public. Please come and have a chat! And if you have any questions [mailto:hello@hackuarium.ch get in touch!]

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Our lab and space are open to the public. Please come and have a chat! And if you have any project ideas or questions [mailto:hello@hackuarium.ch get in touch!]

:<li>'''2019.06.15-10.18''' The sculptures Manon Briod experimented with at Hackuarium are on display in Eglise Saint-François in Lausanne in the context of [https://lausannejardins.ch/fr/jardins/91/futur-age-de-pierre/ Lausanne Jardin].

:<li>'''2019.05.15''' [[User:Shalf|Yann Heurtaux]] is pitching Hackuarium and [[Dans la Drêche]] on stage at [https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/good-brand-summit-tickets-59292444297 the Good Brand Summit]. Let him know if you wish to join. 50% Off Discount Code available on slack.

As of November 2017, Hackuarium is officially hosting its own P1 laboratory. While we still lack some essential infrastructure (-80 freezer, ventilated fume hood), we are working on it...

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As of November 2017, Hackuarium was officially hosting its own P1 laboratory. While we still lacked some essential infrastructure (-80 freezer, ventilated fume hood), we were (and still are!) working on it...

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More can be found out about use of this facility by following the next link...

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More can be found out about use of that previous facility by following the next link...

[[P1_Lab_Activities| P1 Lab Activities]]

[[P1_Lab_Activities| P1 Lab Activities]]

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However, '''the new space in Ecublens has even more challenges''', with the sterile hood not even fitting in the doors (or windows even) of the Biolab! So, while we indeed hoped to again qualify as an official P1, we were not yet sure intil 6June2019, when a visitor from Bern (mandataire from BAFU) came to the lab to inspect everything, and ended up telling us to go on ahead and work (after admin details sorted - address change with BAFU)! What great news! <br>

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The [[Biolab| Biolab Use and Safety]] page specifies equipment and standard operating procedures in the lab in the context of the cooperative in Ecublens. <br>

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12 members have already done the intro to biosecurity (but not all have yet signed their waivers!) and will have 24/7 access to the lab. <br> Interested in developing a project with us? <br>We look forward to seeing you there!

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== [[Protocols | Protocols]] ==

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== Protocols ==

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All the protocols that we use at Hackuarium will be found [[ BioP_Main | here ]] (work in progress).

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Many protocols that we use at Hackuarium will be found [[ BioP_Main | here ]] (work in progress).

They are detailed and structured so that the main focus is on applications. The idea is to give crucial information on how to apply the most common techniques of the Biology toolbox. The protocols are structured as follow:

They are detailed and structured so that the main focus is on applications. The idea is to give crucial information on how to apply the most common techniques of the Biology toolbox. The protocols are structured as follow:

::<li> A scheme describing each

::<li> A scheme describing each

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::<li> A description of the safety issues and best practice

::<li> A description of the safety issues and best practice

::<li> Information specific to Hackuarium and where to find the components, tools and reagents.

::<li> Information specific to Hackuarium and where to find the components, tools and reagents.

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== Consumables in stock ==

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You can check online the [[http://www.cheminfo.org/?viewURL=https%3A%2F%2Fcouch.cheminfo.org%2Fcheminfo-public%2F200a6e514ad745f3d8b0bf918e2370a3%2Fview.json&loadversion=true&fillsearch=Stock consumables in stock]].

== Instruments available ==

== Instruments available ==

[[Instru_Main | This page ]] describes all the instruments available at Hackuarium (work in progress..), their location and how to use them.

[[Instru_Main | This page ]] describes all the instruments available at Hackuarium (work in progress..), their location and how to use them.

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=== Up-to-date list of instruments we still need ===

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=== A list of instruments we still need ===

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This [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1agHVlyMzcg_cdjTlg8bABzjHnOc7Gu0B8v2FGhcEabU/edit?usp=sharing on-line document] contains all the instruments, tools and consumables we are looking for. We have a standard donation contract ([[Contrat_de_donation|contrat de donation]], in French) and if your organisation happen to discard a piece of equipment we are (or may be) looking for, [mailto:hello@hackuarium.ch contact us]!

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This [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1agHVlyMzcg_cdjTlg8bABzjHnOc7Gu0B8v2FGhcEabU/edit?usp=sharing on-line document] contains a list of instruments, tools and consumables we are looking for generally. We could also greatly use an '''ordinary dissecting scope (''binocular loupe'') with non-heating illumination for manipulations of microbes''' of all sorts (i.e. for the Moss Menageries). We have a standard donation contract ([[Contrat_de_donation|contrat de donation]], in French) and if your organisation happens to want to discard a piece of equipment we are (or may be) looking for, [mailto:hello@hackuarium.ch contact us]!

== Where we shop ==

== Where we shop ==

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In some cases it does not work out, and so these are the place where we can find what we need.<br>

In some cases it does not work out, and so these are the place where we can find what we need.<br>

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In any case, '''Please contact [[User:Luchenry|Luc Henry]] if you need to order anything in the name of Hackuarium.'''<br>

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In any case, '''Please contact a member of the Board, if you need to order anything in the name of Hackuarium.'''<br>

<li>[http://delfanti.org/biohackers/ Biohackers. The politics of open science] by Alessandro Delfanti (2013) London: Pluto Press ([http://delfanti.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Science-2014-Golinelli-521.pdf A review of the book] by [[User:luchenry | Luc Henry]])

<li>[http://wi.mobilities.ca/roberta-buiani-biolab-on-wheels-finding-a-space-for-a-diy-bio-lab-in-toronto/ Biolab-on-Wheels: finding a space for a DIY bio lab in Toronto] by Roberta Buiani, Journal of Mobile Media, February 2015

<li>Delfanti, Alessandro (2011) [http://www.i-r-i-e.net/inhalt/015/015-Delfanti.pdf Hacking genomes. The ethics of open and rebel biology]

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<li>Delfanti, Alessandro - Hacking genomes. The ethics of open and rebel biology

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<li>Delgado, Ana - DIYbio: Making things and making futures

<li>Delgado, Ana - DIYbio: Making things and making futures

<li>Editorial - Empowering citizen scientists

<li>Editorial - Empowering citizen scientists

Revision as of 19:12, 24 August 2019

Welcome to the wiki of the Hackuarium association, an open public lab, which wishes to democratise research!

At Hackuarium, we want to bring biology (and biologists) to the world, and the real world back to biology. Our laboratory is an excuse to meet and discuss, build and develop ideas in a neutral, open, noncompetitive and not-for-profit environment.

This page was launched during our 1st Ever Hackuarium Wiki Sprint that took place on 7 December 2014. As you might notice quickly, almost everything here is work-in-progress.

BIG NEWS: Hackuarium has moved to a new location, and our P1 lab is again official!
The new address is Route de Crochy 20, 1024 Ecublens

Everyone is welcome to our weekly Open Hackuarium meetings, continuing every Wednesday, 19:00-22:00!
Our Big Birthday Party, celebrating 5 years of biohacking, will be on the 5th of October 2019!
Come join us!

What is DIYbio?

DIYbio (Do-It-Yourself biology) is a movement that wants to free the practice of biological research and innovation from the institutional and industrial laboratories. Pursued both by amateurs and professional biologists, DIYbio is developing low-cost and low-tech solutions to problems identified by the community.

The movement is characterised by an extremely diverse set of practices and participants. Some call themselves 'biohackers', in reference to the hacker culture. The quick solution (even if unconventional) is what is meant by hacks...

DIYbio.org and DIYbio.eu are the portals of the international and european communities, respectively.

We actually believe more and more in doing DIT (Do-It-Together) Science, not just 'DIYbio,' as it reflects better the scope of the trans-disciplinary projects we do (often not only biology).

What is Hackuarium?

Hackuarium is a not-for-profit association aiming to democratise science through public engagement.

Our laboratories in Ecublens (Switzerland) are open to anyone sharing the values of the association and dedicated to follow the DIYbio Europe ethical guidelines.

Our projects are initiated and carried out by scientists and non-scientists from a variety of backgrounds. They are passionate about tinkering with biology in particular, and technology in general. Some are engineers, architects, designers, IT and computer scientists or retired professionals, but others have no scientific education. They are mostly citizens interested in open and participatory research and innovation, outside the constraints of traditional institutions.

Hackuarium members want to investigate new ways of carrying out interdisciplinary research and innovation, by making their results open, accessible (low-cost), simple and easily reproducible (low-tech) and by promoting an open source philosophy.

Where are we located?

The overall map of the new space is shown to the right, with the new Hackuarium located primary in two rooms (marked with our little purple open science octopus logo).

map of the space

The biolab is located in a south facing room of over 22m2, with three windows and a linoleum floor.
We also have a so-called 'inner sanctum' without windows, that is mainly for electronics and chemistry work, but can also be used for some biology studies, especially higher resolution microscopy (with a Raspberry Pi camera on the old Zeiss scope) and bioluminescence studies, but growth of cultures is not allowed in this space.
(there is a carpet!)
There are also other Hackuarium 'assets' around the corner from the biolab, shown as purple rectangles on the map and including the sterile hood and the ultracentrifuge. A closet also contains a great deal of consumables and other labware. (We welcome project ideas that will use some of this! :)
To note: this building is really only a provisional space, as it is destined for destruction in the next 3-5 years!
We will continue to look for a more permanent space, while developing our community further and promoting Open Science!

For some History:
Hackuarium found its new home (yay!) after being generously hosted for four years in infrastructures provided by UniverCité, an unconventional innovation hub that opened in May 2014 in the "Ateliers" in Renens (formerly IRL building). Our equipment is mostly upcycled material from institutions and industries from western Switzerland. We have documented our working environment as it has evolved. For almost 6 months, our big hoods and other equipment were in storage, ready to be moved into our new lab space, a happy event begun the 1st of February 2019!

Between December 2015 and January 2017, UniverCité regrouped our laboratory, a workshop and coworking space. The floor where we originally moved in 2014 required some refurbishing and was under construction work from January until June 2017; and we temporarily relocated on the first floor of the same building. Since July 2017, we have been back on the second floor of what is now called the "Ateliers de Renens" Chemin du Closel 5, 1020 Renens. The original plan in the renovated space was to have a biohackerspace on one side, with a 'pro' lab space on the other, and a shared biosafety level 1 laboratory in between. The community lab idea for UC, however, has now been given over to primarily startup and co-working hosting.

When Hackuarium was asked to pay rent as if it were already a startup with a successful business plan, the members decided during an extraordinary general assembly meeting (on 12 September 2018), that we would have to look for a new place to set-up our biohacker space and P1 lab, with enough room to allow further growth and exciting collaborations. A cooperative (Space Alliance Coopérative) with two other associations (Octanis & Polymeka) and a few other startups came together to look for a new place to call home and provide space for everyone's projects and work. Our first activities in the new spaces started in February 2019. Our biolab and inner sanctum for electronics and imagerie and more are already facilitating project experiments, with more fun in the pipeline with our coop colleagues, like Sam and Raffael from Octanis, who were also early members of Hackuarium.

Who are we?

Our members reflect the diversity that is in and around the Lausanne area.

Practical Information

Rules at Hackuarium

We have very few rules at Hackuarium. The goal of the association is to provide freedom to its members, so they can explore beyond what is allowed elsewhere. However, we want members and anyone participating in our activities to feel comfortable and respected.

Use of the Biolab (P1 lab=Biosafety Level 1 experiments possible)

As of November 2017, Hackuarium was officially hosting its own P1 laboratory. While we still lacked some essential infrastructure (-80 freezer, ventilated fume hood), we were (and still are!) working on it...
More can be found out about use of that previous facility by following the next link...
P1 Lab Activities
However, the new space in Ecublens has even more challenges, with the sterile hood not even fitting in the doors (or windows even) of the Biolab! So, while we indeed hoped to again qualify as an official P1, we were not yet sure intil 6June2019, when a visitor from Bern (mandataire from BAFU) came to the lab to inspect everything, and ended up telling us to go on ahead and work (after admin details sorted - address change with BAFU)! What great news!
The Biolab Use and Safety page specifies equipment and standard operating procedures in the lab in the context of the cooperative in Ecublens.
12 members have already done the intro to biosecurity (but not all have yet signed their waivers!) and will have 24/7 access to the lab. Interested in developing a project with us? We look forward to seeing you there!

Protocols

Many protocols that we use at Hackuarium will be found here (work in progress).
They are detailed and structured so that the main focus is on applications. The idea is to give crucial information on how to apply the most common techniques of the Biology toolbox. The protocols are structured as follow:

A scheme describing each

A brief description of the protocol and its use

A description of the different ways of carrying out the protocol. Ideally there should be a description of a commercial kit and a DIY kit.

A description of the safety issues and best practice

Information specific to Hackuarium and where to find the components, tools and reagents.

Consumables in stock

Instruments available

This page describes all the instruments available at Hackuarium (work in progress..), their location and how to use them.

A list of instruments we still need

This on-line document contains a list of instruments, tools and consumables we are looking for generally. We could also greatly use an ordinary dissecting scope (binocular loupe) with non-heating illumination for manipulations of microbes of all sorts (i.e. for the Moss Menageries). We have a standard donation contract (contrat de donation, in French) and if your organisation happens to want to discard a piece of equipment we are (or may be) looking for, contact us!

Where we shop

As a general rule, we do not buy anything. We try to recycle, upcycle, bicycle, epicycle anything we can, or ask around if anyone can provide supplies for free.

In some cases it does not work out, and so these are the place where we can find what we need.

In any case, Please contact a member of the Board, if you need to order anything in the name of Hackuarium.

Labware and Reagents

Consumables and some chemicals can be purchased from Huber Lab.
More chemicals can be obtained from Carl Roth.
If necessary, other chemicals and biochemicals can be obtained from Sigma Aldrich.
Molecular biology tools can be purchased from Qiagen.

Swiss-based Smiples has a very extensive listing of second hand laboratory and technical items. These can be bought from their online shop or from Ricardo.
But most laboratory hardware can be obtained from our network of friends and partners. Get in touch with Luc Henry if you need anything specific and we'll do our best to find it.